Showing papers by "Texas A&M University published in 1994"

Reassessment of Expectations as a Comparison Standard in Measuring Service Quality: Implications for Further Research:

Abstract: The authors respond to concerns raised by Cronin and Taylor (1992) and Teas (1993) about the SERVQUAL instrument and the perceptions-minus-expectations specification invoked by it to operationalize...

Trustworthiness as a Source of Competitive Advantage

Abstract: Three types of trust in economic exchanges are identified: weak form trust, semi-strong form trust, and strong form trust. It is shown that weak form trust can only be a source of competitive advantage when competitors invest in unnecessary and expensive governance mechanisms. Semi-strong form trust can be a source of competitive advantage when competitors have differential exchange governance skills and abilities, and when these skills and abilities are costly to imitate. The conditions under which strong form trust can be a source of competitive advantage are also identified. Implications of this analysis for theoretical and empirical work in strategic management are discussed.

Human resources and sustained competitive advantage: a resource-based perspective

Abstract: This paper integrates the theories and findings of micro-level organizational behaviour/human resource management research with the macrolevel resource-based view of the firm, specifically presenting a firm's human resources as an important potential source of sustained competitive advantage. Unlike practice-oriented discussions that assume the role of human resources as a source of sustained competitive advantage, we use the theoretical concepts from the resource-based view of the firm (Wernerfelt, 1984; Barney, 1991) to discuss how human resources meet the criteria for sustained competitive advantage in that they are valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable. The implications for developing human resources as a source of sustained competitive advantage are discussed, particularly examining the role of HR practices and managers in this process.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Environmental Impact, Biochemical and Toxic Responses, and Implications for Risk Assessment

Abstract: Commercial polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and environmental extracts contain complex mixtures of congeners that can be unequivocally identified and quantitated. Some PCB mixtures elicit a spectrum of biochemical and toxic responses in humans and laboratory animals and many of these effects resemble those caused by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, which act through the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah)-receptor signal transduction pathway. Structure-activity relationships developed for PCB congeners and metabolites have demonstrated that several structural classes of compounds exhibit diverse biochemical and toxic responses. Structure-toxicity studies suggest that the coplanar PCBs, namely, 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (tetraCB), 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexaCB, and their monoortho analogs are Ah-receptor agonists and contribute significantly to the toxicity of the PCB mixtures. Previous studies with TCDD and structurally related compounds ...

Testing the iron hypothesis in ecosystems of the equatorial Pacific Ocean

Abstract: The idea that iron might limit phytoplankton growth in large regions of the ocean has been tested by enriching an area of 64 km2 in the open equatorial Pacific Ocean with iron This resulted in a doubling of plant biomass, a threefold increase in chlorophyll and a fourfold increase in plant production Similar increases were found in a chlorophyll-rich plume down-stream of the Galapagos Islands, which was naturally enriched in iron These findings indicate that iron limitation can control rates of phytoplankton productivity and biomass in the ocean

MSCRAMM-mediated adherence of microorganisms to host tissues

Abstract: Microbial adhesion to host tissue is the initial critical event in the pathogenesis of most infections and, as such, is an attractive target for the development of new antimicrobial therapeutics. Specific microbial components (adhesins) mediate adherence to host tissues by participating in amazingly sophisticated interactions with host molecules. This review focuses on a class of cell surface adhesins that specifically interact with extracellular matrix components and which we have designated MSCRAMMs (microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules). MSCRAMMs recognizing fibronectin-, fibrinogen-, collagen-, and heparin-related polysaccharides are discussed in terms of structural organization, ligand-binding structures, importance in host tissue colonization and invasion, and role as virulence factors.

Organizational socialization: Its content and consequences.

Abstract: Content dimensions of the socialization domain were defined in order to determine relationships between learning particular features of a job/organization and the process and outcomes of socialization. Six socialization dimensions-performance proficiency, politics, language, people, organizational goals/values, and history-were supported by a factor analysis on data from 594 full-time professionals. The socialization process was then examined by comparing three groups of respondents who did not change jobs, changed jobs within the organization, or changed jobs and organizations. Results showed these groups had significantly different response patterns on all dimensions

Crystal structure of the tyrosine kinase domain of the human insulin receptor.

Abstract: The X-ray crystal structure of the tyrosine kinase domain of the human insulin receptor has been determined by multiwavelength anomalous diffraction phasing and refined to 2.1 A resolution. The structure reveals the determinants of substrate preference for tyrosine rather than serine or threonine and a novel autoinhibition mechanism whereby one of the tyrosines that is autophosphorylated in response to insulin, Tyr 1,162, is bound in the active site.

The Finite Element Method in Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics

Abstract: EQUATIONS OF HEAT TRANSFER AND FLUID MECHANICS Present Study Governing Equations of a Continuum Governing Equations in Terms of Primitive Variables Porous Flow Equations Auxiliary Transport Equations sChemically Reacting Systems Boundary Conditions sChange of Phase Enclosure Radiation Summary of Equations THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD: AN OVERVIEW Model Differential Equation Finite Element Approximation Weighted-Integral Statements and Weak Forms Finite Element Model Interpolation Functions Assembly of Elements Time-Dependent Problems Axisymmetric Problems Convective Boundary Conditions Library of Finite Elements Numerical Integration Modeling Considerations Illustrative Examples 3D CONDUCTION HEAT TRANSFER Semidiscrete Finite Element Model Interpolation Functions Numerical Integration Computation of Surface Fluxes Semidiscrete Finite Element Model Solution of Nonlinear Equations Radiation Solution Algorithms Variable Properties sPost-Processing Operations sAdvanced Topics in Conduction sExamples of Diffusion Problems VISCOUS INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOWS Mixed Finite Element Model Penalty Finite Element Models Finite Element Models of Porous Flow Computational Considerations Solution of Nonlinear Equations Time-Approximation Schemes sStabilized Methods Post-Processing sAdvanced Topics Advanced Topics - Turbulence Numerical Examples CONVECTIVE HEAT TRANSFER Mixed Finite Element Model Penalty Finite Element Model Finite Element Models of Porous Flow Solution Methods Convection with Change of Phase Convection with Enclosure Radiation Post-Computation of Heat Flux Advanced Topics - Turbulent Heat Transfer Advanced Topics - Chemically Reacting Systems Numerical Examples sNON-NEWTONIAN FLUIDS Governing Equations of Inelastic Fluids Finite Element Models of Inelastic Fluids Solution Methods for Inelastic Fluids Governing Equations of Viscoelastic Fluids Finite Element Model of Differential Form Finite Element Model of Integral Form Unresolved Problems Numerical Examples sCOUPLED PROBLEMS Coupled Boundary Value Problems Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer Solid Mechanics Electromagnetics Coupled Problems in Mechanics Implementation of Coupled Algorithms Numerical Examples sADVANCED TOPICS Parallel Processing Other Topics Note: Chapters also include an Introduction, Exercises, and References APPENDIX A: COMPUTER PROGRAM--HEATFLOW Heat Transfer and Related Problems Flows of Viscous Incompressible Fluids Description of the Input Data A Source Listings of Selective Subroutines Reference sAPPENDIX B: SOLUTION OF LINEAR EQUATIONS Introduction Direct Methods Iterative Methods References for Additional Reading sAPPENDIX C: FIXED POINT METHODS AND CONTRACTION MAPPINGS Fixed Point Theorem Chord Method Newton's Method The Newton-Raphson Method Descent Methods References for Additional Reading

Midgap surface states as a novel signature for dxa2-xb2-wave superconductivity.

Abstract: It is shown that a sizable areal density of midgap states exists on a {110} surface of a ${\mathit{d}}_{\mathit{x}\mathit{a}}^{2}$-${\mathit{x}}_{\mathit{b}}^{2}$-wave superconductor, which can either have vacuum or an insulator at the surface, or be separated from vacuum or an insulator by a clean, size-quantized, normal metal overlayer. These ``midgap'' states have many observable consequences---some of which are briefly discussed here---which can be used as a clear signature to distinguish between d-wave and anisotropic s-wave superconductors.

Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Divergence and Phylogenetic Relationships among Eight Chromosome Races of the Sceloporus Grammicus Complex (Phrynosomatidae) in Central Mexico

Abstract: A 2,479-base pair mitochondrial DNA fragment was sequenced for eight chromosome races of Sceloporus grammicus from central Mexico to estimate their phylogenetic relationships. The species S. poinsetti and S. olivaceus were used separately as alternative outgroups. A total of 795 positions varied in three complete protein-coding genes examined (ND3, ND4L, ND4), and 52 of 292 positions varied across five transfer RNAs examined (glycine, argenine. histidine, serine, leucine). Sequence divergence values ranged from 0.0 to 0.23 among the ingroup taxa, and a maximum of 0.26 was observed between ingroup and outgroup taxa. Alternative analyses based upon equally weighted characters and several alternative character-weighting options were used to obtain phylogenetic hypotheses for the complex, and a single most-parsimonious tree was selected from among these on the basis of a new character-weighting method that takes into account the observed frequencies of all 12 possible substitutions for protein genes

Corporate Divestiture Intensity in Restructuring Firms: Effects of Governance, Strategy, and Performance

Abstract: Both inadequate governance and inappropriate strategy have been proposed as antecedents of the divestment activity of restructuring firms in the 1980s. We combined both views in a structural equati...

A genetic linkage map of the bovine genome

Abstract: A cattle genetic linkage map was constructed which marks about 90% of the expected length of the cattle genome. Over 200 DNA polymorphisms were genotyped in cattle families which comprise 295 individuals in full sibling pedigrees. One hundred and seventy-one loci were found linked to one other locus. Twenty nine of the 30 chromosome pairs are represented by at least one of the 36 linkage groups. Less than a 50 cM difference was found in the male and female genetic maps. The conserved loci on this map show as many differences in gene order compared to humans as is found between humans and mice. The conservation is consistent with the patterns of karyotypic evolution found in the rodents, primates and artiodactyls. This map will be important for localizing quantitative trait loci and provides a basis for further mapping.

Hooking mortality: A review for recreational fisheries

Abstract: Length‐limit regulations and promotion of catch‐and‐release fishing have become increasingly important management approaches for recreational fisheries. We review‐studies on catch‐and‐release (hooking) mortality gathered from the existing fisheries literature and from a survey of fisheries management agencies in all 50 states, the U.S. government, all Canadian provinces, and selected academic and research institutions. We identified hooking mortality estimates for 32 taxa. Most studies dealt with salmonids, centrarchids (especially black basses, Micropterus spp.), and percids (especially walleye, Stizostedion vitreum). Within and among species, differences in percent mortality were reported in association with bait type (artificial vs. natural), hook type (number of hooks, hook size, and barbs), season/ temperature, water depth (depressurization), anatomical location of hook wound, and individual size. Although most hooking mortalities occur within 24 h, the use of initial plus delayed mortality ...

The Vertical Profile of Radar Reflectivity of Convective Cells: A Strong Indicator of Storm Intensity and Lightning Probability?

Abstract: Reflectivity data from Doppler radars are used to construct vertical profiles of radar reflectivity (VPRR) of convective cells in mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in three different environmental regimes. The National Center for Atmospheric Research CP-3 and CP-4 radars are used to calculate median VPRR for MCSs in the Oklahoma-Kansas Preliminary Regional Experiment for STORM-Central in 1985. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere radar in Darwin, Australia, is used to calculate VPRR for MCSs observed both in oceanic, monsoon regimes and in continental, break period regimes during the wet seasons of 1987/88 and 1988/89. The midlatitude and tropical continental VPRRs both exhibit maximum reflectivity somewhat above the surface and have a gradual decrease in reflectivity with height above the freezing level. In sharp contrast, the tropical oceanic profile has a maximum reflectivity at the lowest level and a very rapid decrease in reflectivity with height beginning just above the freezing level. The tropical oceanic profile in the Darwin area is almost the same shape as that for two other tropical oceanic regimes, leading to the conclustion that it is characteristic. The absolute values of reflectivity in the 0 to 20 C range are compared with values in the literature thought to represent a threshold for rapid storm electrification leading to lightning, about 40 dBZ at -10 C. The large negative vertical gradient of reflectivity in this temperature range for oceanic storms is hypothesized to be a direct result of the characteristically weaker vertical velocities observed in MCSs over tropical oceans. It is proposed, as a necessary condition for rapid electrification, that a convective cell must have its updraft speed exceed some threshold value. Based upon field program data, a tentative estimate for the magnitude of this threshold is 6-7 m/s for mean speed and 10-12 m/s for peak speed.

Molecular basis of mouse microphthalmia ( mi ) mutations helps explain their developmental and phenotypic consequences

Abstract: Mutations in the mouse microphthalmia (mi) gene affect the development of a number of cell types including melanocytes, osteoclasts and mast cells. Recently, mutations in the human mi gene (MITF) were found in patients with Waardenburg Syndrome type 2 (WS2), a dominantly inherited syndrome associated with hearing loss and pigmentary disturbances. We have characterized the molecular defects associated with eight murine mi mutations, which vary in both their mode of inheritance and in the cell types they affect. These molecular data, combined with the extensive body of genetic data accumulated for murine mi, shed light on the phenotypic and developmental consequences of mi mutations and offer a mouse model for WS2.

Minority influence: a meta-analytic review of social influence processes.

Abstract: A meta-analytic review of 97 minority influence experiments evaluated the processes by which sources advocating deviant, minority opinions exert influence. Minority impact was most marked on measures of influence that were private from the source and indirectly related to the content of the appeal and less evident on direct private influence measures and on public measures. This attenuated impact of minorities on direct private and public measures suggests that in response to normative pressures, recipients avoided aligning themselves with a deviant source. Mediator analyses revealed that minorities perceived as especially consistent in the advocacy of their views were especially influential. The relation between normative and informational pressures in the minority influence paradigm was discussed.

Active integrated antennas

Abstract: This paper provide a review of the active integrated antenna (AIA) technologies. After a brief introduction on the definition and some historical remarks, the paper concentrates on the research effort on the past decades or so. The AlAs are reviewed in its various functions. First, an oscillator-type AIA is presented, followed by very interesting aspects of coupled oscillator arrays for phase control. Use of an AIA concept for efficient RF front ends is described with examples on high-power amplifier AlAs. Next, a phase-conjugation-based retrodirective array is reviewed. Finally, AIA systems for receiving, transmitting, and duplexing are reviewed.

Rater training for performance appraisal: A quantitative review

Abstract: A substantial amount of research in the performance appraisal literature has focused on rater training as a means of improving performance ratings. Unfortunately the value of this research is somewhat equivocated by a lack of organization and integration. The present study provides an integration and a quantitative review of the rater training literature. A general framework for the evaluation of rater training is presented in terms of four rating training strategies (rater error training, performance dimension training, frame-of-reference training, and behavioural observation training) and four dependent measures (halo, leniency, rating accuracy and observational accuracy). Finally, a meta-analytic review is presented to assess the effectiveness of the rater training strategies across the four dependent measures.

Predicting the drape of woven cloth using interacting particles

Abstract: We demonstrate a physically-based technique for predicting the drape of a wide variety of woven fabrics. The approach exploits a theoretical model that explicitly represents the microstructure of woven cloth with interacting particles, rather than utilizing a continuum approximation. By testing a cloth sample in a Kawabata fabric testing device, we obtain data that is used to tune the model's energy functions, so that it reproduces the draping behavior of the original material. Photographs, comparing the drape of actual cloth with visualizations of simulation results, show that we are able to reliably model the unique large-scale draping characteristics of distinctly different fabric types.

A Detailed RFLP Map of Cotton, Gossypium Hirsutum X Gossypium Barbadense: Chromosome Organization and Evolution in a Disomic Polyploid Genome

Abstract: We employ a detailed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) map to investigate chromosome organization and evolution in cotton, a disomic polyploid. About 46.2% of nuclear DNA probes detect RFLPs distinguishing Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense; and 705 RFLP loci are assembled into 41 linkage groups and 4675 cM. The subgenomic origin (A vs. D) of most, and chromosomal identity of 14 (of 26), linkage groups is shown. The A and D subgenomes show similar recombinational length, suggesting that repetitive DNA in the physically larger A subgenome is recombinationally inert. RFLPs are somewhat more abundant in the D subgenome. Linkage among duplicated RFLPs reveals 11 pairs of homoelogous chromosomal regions-two appear homosequential, most differ by inversions, and at least one differs by a translocation. Most homoeologies involve chromosomes from different subgenomes, putatively reflecting the n = 13 to n = 26 polyploidization event of 1.1-1.9 million years ago. Several observations suggest that another, earlier, polyploidization event spawned n = 13 cottons, at least 25 million years ago. The cotton genome contains about 400-kb DNA per cM, hence map-based gene cloning is feasible. The cotton map affords new opportunities to study chromosome evolution, and to exploit Gossypium genetic resources for improvement of the world's leading natural fiber.

A Review of the Influence of Group Goals on Group Performance

Abstract: This research combined meta-analytic and narrative review methods in an effort to assess the influence of group goals on group performance. The meta-analytic review revealed a strong group goal eff...